A group of reporters meant to hold the Pentagon to account is full of pro-Trump sycophants … what could go wrong?
After US troops swarmed into Venezuela, seizing the country’s president and his wife, there was little to be heard from the Pentagon.
Typically, it would be a time for defense officials to talk to the Pentagon press corps: a group of journalists made up of some of the most talented reporters in the US. The Pentagon could have been expected to be held to account over what has been criticized as a violation of international law.
Under the Trump administration, that didn’t happen.
The press corps was decimated late last year. Almost all credentialed reporters from traditional media companies surrendered their Pentagon press passes in October, rather than sign a 21-page Pentagon document that set restrictions on journalistic activities.
Can’t believe we have a press corps that is slavishly loyal to the institutions of power. One wonders who bankrolls their salaries, promotes their coverage, and advances their careers with special access to high ranking officials?
Oh, wait. I’m seeing it here. The military industrial complex.
Late stage capitalism is fascism. This isn’t just military or intelligence capitalists. The only difference between them, fossil fuel, media, pharma, big tech, or any other, oligarchs is the primary source of wealth. The ultra rich are all diversified and invested in each other. Most board members are split across multiple corporations; sometimes dozens. The vast majority of the ultra rich use their wealth for corruption, coercion and manipulation; use their wealth to accelerate wealth extraction from the majority, and the destruction of the working class.
Should probably just call them the courtiers.
These people are not doing journalism and they should not be called “the press”.
